WWE cuts Paige's response to Nikki Bella on SmackDown, prompting social media feud

Key points

• WWE cut a promo from Paige that was scheduled to air before the Women's United States Championship match on the August 14 SmackDown broadcast.
• The segment, which featured Paige responding to Nikki Bella's heel turn, was released as a digital exclusive after the show concluded.
• Paige posted 'lol' on social media after the show, leading to a back-and-forth with Nikki Bella regarding the cut segment.
• Paige criticized WWE for cutting women's segments, while Nikki Bella expressed uncertainty about their future in-person interactions.
• The incident follows a storyline where Paige and the Bella Twins lost a six-woman tag team match at SummerSlam, leading to Brie Bella suffering a broken scapula.

Background

Paige returned to WWE at WrestleMania 42, teaming with Brie Bella after Nikki Bella was injured. The duo won the women's tag team titles at WrestleMania but lost them to Fatal Influence at SummerSlam. Following the loss, Nikki Bella attacked Paige, and Brie Bella suffered a broken scapula, expected to be out for three to six months. This is not the first time WWE has cut segments involving Paige since her return, including a previous European tour and a shortened singles match for Brie Bella.

How outlets are covering it

F4W/WON reported the cut and the subsequent social media exchange, noting that WWE did not publicly advertise the segment ahead of the show. Bleacher Report highlighted the digital release of the promo and the ongoing feud, noting that SmackDown has been a two-hour show since July 3. Cageside Seats criticized WWE for cutting the segment, suggesting it reflects a lack of demand for a 'Total Divas era' match in 2026. twnpnews.com emphasized the pattern of WWE cutting segments involving Paige since her return, including previous instances in Europe and a shortened match for Brie Bella.

Why it matters

The cut of Paige's segment highlights ongoing concerns about women's representation and TV time in WWE, particularly as SmackDown's runtime has been reduced. It also underscores the challenges of managing storylines when key figures, like Brie Bella, are injured. The incident may influence future booking decisions and the pacing of the Paige-Bella feud.

What to watch

Paige and Nikki Bella are expected to continue their rivalry in person next week, as indicated by their social media exchange. WWE may further develop the feud, potentially involving AJ Lee, as Brie Bella recovers from her injury. The outcome of the feud will depend on how WWE manages the storyline and the availability of key participants.